Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction for the 1978 model year, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan has remained true to its original character. It's the BMW flagship, and this full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan has always represented the pinnacle of technology and luxury in the German automaker's lineup. As such, it's an obvious choice for discerning buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige.

There's a fair amount of competition in this elite vehicle class, but the 7 Series sedan's athletic handling dynamics have long set it apart, starting with the early 733s and carrying through to the five present-day 7 Series models. While other manufacturers have historically been content to build high-end sedans with soft, serene rides, BMW engineers its 7s to engage their drivers on an emotional level. There are a few recent contenders that have gone after this emotional engagement, so the 7 Series is no longer the only game in town, but it remains a prime luxury sedan for people who like to drive.

Current BMW 7 Series
The current 7 Series is offered in five different models. The 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 750i and 750Li feature a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that cranks out 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line 760Li features a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard across the board, while all-wheel drive ("xDrive") is optional for the 740 and 750 models. All are very quick, with even the 740i being able to run from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 5.6 seconds.

The 7 Series boasts a handsome, spacious interior with supple leather and rich wood accents adorning almost every surface. Highly adjustable front seats ensure comfort for virtually every body type. The 7 also showcases a wealth of high-tech luxury features such as a night-vision camera and sideview cameras. Some may still find the iDrive electronics interface system a bit complicated, but we think the current model's improved layout is an elegant solution to a button-heavy dashboard.

Although rear passenger space is limolike, especially in Li form, the 7 Series remains a standout in the handling department. The "Dynamic Driving Control" system contributes to this status, featuring four different settings that alter the driving characteristics of the car. We'd bet good money that most folks will leave it on "Normal," but it certainly rewards owners who like to customize their cars to their own driving tastes. Only recently has the 7 Series begun to be challenged by athletic new rivals in this segment.

Used BMW 7 Series Models
The current, fifth-generation 7 Series debuted for 2009. Compared to the controversial previous model, its styling is considerably more restrained, with tauter bodywork and a conventional trunk design. The interior is also more traditional. The gear selector has migrated from the steering column back to the center console, for example, and the iDrive electronics interface is vastly improved. Turbocharged engines are now the norm for BMW's top sedan.

There have been a handful of notable changes during the current 7 Series' production run. In its first year, the big Bimmer could only be had in 750i or 750Li trim with rear-wheel drive. The 760Li arrived for 2010, while the 740i debuted the following year, becoming the first six-cylinder 7 Series in two decades. For 2013, the 750's twin-turbo V8 was upgraded from its original output (400 hp, 450 lb-ft) to current levels, while the 740 received a new inline-6 with a single turbocharger in place of the original twin-turbo engine. The iDrive interface was also updated for 2013, and an eight-speed automatic became the standard transmission on all 7 Series models.

The previous-generation BMW 7 Series was produced from 2002-'08 and was by far the most radical version of the nameplate. Traditional exterior styling cues from the previous 25 years were largely abandoned in favor of a more aggressive, avant-garde design. The car was still recognizable as a 7 Series, but many purists found the look abrasive. A refresh for 2006 smoothed out some of the harsher elements, but it's still a stretch to call this car beautiful, whether in standard-wheelbase 750i or long-wheelbase 750Li/760Li form (previously known as "iL").

With the exception of 2002, when only a V8 was offered, the fourth-generation 7 Series lineup always included sophisticated eight- and 12-cylinder engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 745i and 745Li sold from 2002-'05 were equipped with a 325-hp 4.4-liter V8, while the 750i and 750Li that succeeded them had a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8. The 750s were slightly heavier, so performance was about the same as for the 745s.

Offered continuously from 2003, the 760Li had a 6.0-liter V12 capable of 438 hp. Unlike the V8s, which are eager to rev, the V12 delivers a massive wave of thrust as soon as you nudge the accelerator pedal. BMW offered a short-wheelbase 760i from 2004-'06.

The edgy exterior styling of this generation carried over to the cabin, where BMW's typically button-heavy control layout gave way to an all-in-one system called iDrive that governed climate, audio and navigation functions via a single console-mounted dial and a central display. Although iDrive assured the 7's place in the information age, its steep learning curve proved bewildering for many a 7 Series driver. During the car's lifespan, iDrive was consistently upgraded, so newer models will come with later (and less maddening) versions of this control device. Be sure to thoroughly exercise the iDrive system before purchasing a 7 Series of this vintage.

Despite its quirks, the 2002-'08 BMW 7 Series proved quite popular, not least because of its superb driving experience. Here BMW applied its arsenal of technology to great effect, as features like self-stiffening antiroll bars, self-leveling air springs and adaptive shock absorbers worked together to keep the big sedan exceptionally stable when driven hard. However, it's complexity like this that makes the fourth-generation 7 Series an intimidating used car in terms of expected maintenance costs. "Buyer beware" is the operative phrase here.

The third-generation 7 Series, sold from 1995-2001, is generally regarded as a high point in the model's history. It was a true driver's car just like today's 7, but there was less in-car technology to distract from the task at hand. And most people agree that its sleek, classically styled body is easier on the eyes.

The model lineup included the regular-wheelbase 740i sedan, which was offered every year except 1996, and the long-wheelbase 740iL and 750iL, which had an uninterrupted run. The BMW 740s were powered by a 282-hp 4.4-liter (4.0-liter in 1995) V8, while the 750iL had a 5.4-liter V12 good for 326 hp. All 7s came with a five-speed automatic transmission. Either setup provided strong acceleration, but fuel economy was poor by today's standards.

A well-kept third-generation 7 Series could be a rewarding purchase if you've got the time and budget to keep it on the road. The main advantage to choosing a car from later in the model cycle is added standard feature content. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, for example, debuted across the line for 1998. Quality was generally excellent on these cars, but like most high-end German products, this 7 Series can incur hefty repair costs over time.

Similar in style and focus to its successor, the second-generation BMW 7 Series was on sale from 1988-'94. This was the first 7 Series to include both regular- and long-wheelbase models, the advantage to the latter being increased rear legroom. For most of the cycle, the base engine was a 208-hp 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder offered in 735i and 735iL models. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, but a five-speed manual was offered as well. The 282-hp 4.0-liter V8 replaced the inline-6 in 1993, yielding the 740i and 740iL, both of which took a five-speed automatic only. The BMW 750iL was offered throughout the run; the first V12-equipped BMW, it had a 296-hp 5.0-liter engine and a four-speed automatic.

The first-generation BMW 7 Series enjoyed a long run from 1978-'87. It was the largest sedan the company had ever built and directly targeted the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All 7s of this era were powered by an inline six-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  V12 powered 750iL - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By kikis - February 28 - 4:18 pm

  Bought the car with 45,000 miles on it in 96, had it ever since, great car with huge hp and torque. Down side is the maintenance cost and the problems it has as it gets older, spent around $10,000 in the last 20,000 miles.

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  Great car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By TonyB - February 26 - 1:21 am

  I have driven Mercedes (including the Mercedes 500E) for the past 25 years, and this BMW has so far exceeded my expectations. Its lots of fun to drive and handles superbly. I am tall with hip and back problems and the seats are the most comfortable of any car Ive had. Also, the layout of all the controls is ergonomcially superior to any other car. Make sure you get the comfort acess option and heated steering wheel. Youd be making a mistake if you didnt.

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  My 745Li - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Kevin Lenihan - February 22 - 6:42 pm

  The "noise" about iDrive is just that - noise! If you have a desktop or laptop, iDrive is childs play. It takes a little while to become accustomed, but I would not want to be without it now.

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  back from mercedes - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By sgpnx - February 19 - 1:05 am

  head turner when they see the v-12 on the side.Was orginally worried about the i-drive but mastered in a few days.Great driving experience and real feeling of safety on the road..

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  Awesome Car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Eric K - February 5 - 3:36 pm

  I got my new 745i in Aug of 2004. I have to say I was skeptical since the car as plagued with problems form the intro of the 2002 car. However, I have to say that I am very statisfied with my new 7 (which replaced a 2001 740i Sport). I got the comfort seats and did an AC Schnitzer aero kit on the car. It looks outrageous. I love this car. The iDrive? Whats the fuss. Its like anything else new. Once you get used to it, no problem. I ave to say though that BMW needs to take a lesson from Acura on the navigation system. Although I can use it, it can be simplified. A great car overall!!!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Greg - January 24 - 6:29 pm

  This car is truly amazing. It drives and feels like a much smaller car. Acceleration, cornering and braking are outstanding. I was worried about this car from all the reviews on the i- drive. Dont listen to the complaints it takes a while to learn but is very simple and intuitive. I can navigate through the entire system while driving easily. You can just try to figure it out while you drive.

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  1998 740IL - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Larry Dunbar - January 24 - 2:11 pm

  Puts a smile on your face every time you drive it. A big fast effortless cruising machine with loads of safety features. The interior room makes a long trip very comfortable. The drive fun factor is only exceeded by my wifes 2001 530I Sport.The car now has 47,000 miles on it and so far Ive replaced the A/C pump, radiator, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and its housing. In additon a complete fluid change on everything. The cooling system componants were replaced as preventive maintainance measures with the exception of the water pump that had failed. All of the preceding is part of the price of owning one of the finest, safest, rides available.

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  BMW 745Li - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Alex - January 22 - 1:22 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 745Li. I had a 2000 740iL before, and traded that in on this. The car has so much on it, it is somewhat confusing at first, though you learn how to use everything eventually. I still am not sure how to get the cell phone into the charger in the middle compartment, it doesnt seem to want to connect. Anyway, I had gone to look at Jaguar and Mercedes before this, but easily decided on the BMW in the end, because of all the features it offers.

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  Whats not to like? - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Klaus is in the Haus - January 20 - 7:27 pm

  My 2nd Beemer. 1st was the M Roadster. The 745i is so much more comfortable and almost as much fun to drive. Most features well thought out but some defy logic. (What were the designers thinking when they put the door lock/unlock switch in the middle of the dash?) I-Drive learning curve is steep but a wonderful concept. The steering wheel controls and mode button are all I need to shuttle between Satelite, AM and 7 CDs without taking my eyes off the road. I just wish they would improve the navigation menus and display CD track titles. The Sat radio implementation is fantastic! I usually leave this set to display artist and track title. Hands free phone is nice too.

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  DONT BELIEVE THE CRITICISM - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By TAMPABMW - January 19 - 10:19 am

  Dont let the negative criticism scare you away from this gem. In spite of negative reviews, BMW is selling almost 11,000 745 models a year. There is a reason: it is a fantastic drivers car without sacrificing any luxury. The power is always there and the handling will amaze, and--Comfort! Do not let the I-Drive criticism affect your decision. The basic drive elements of the car are independent of the system. Most of the other systems (toys) are redundant through I-Drive or voice recognition so if you dont like it, you dont have to use it. But if you can use a multifunction remote control for your stereo/tv/dvd, you will have no problem with I-Drive, and may come to enjoy it.